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A Letter From The Editor
What in the world is going on? We are more than halfway A Letterthe from the and Editor through year it feels like its already been twelve months, and we have possibly started 2021. I didn’t see this coming. What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if My plans were to launch a few new ideas this year, become everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never more physically fit, and travel a whole happened? There would be no reasonlot. to However, save for a those rainy were plans my planssomeone do not mean a thingofifmaking they aren’t day,my and you and could spare the trouble discussed, approved, confirmed, and verified first byexpired God. promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly today? What would you do? And so here I am in July and none of my plans have happened. I amtold suffering fromseem the quarantine I’ve been that I often like I do toofifteen, much. (fifteen pounds of weight gained a doing result enough of no exercising Honestly, I feel like I amas not and I’m aand firma whole lot of bad eating). Like many small business owners, believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me I’vethat been forced handle. to think Ion fly adjustwonder how I do business I couldn’t sometimes how life would and changes stay afloat. is unfortunately bemake if I chose to sitto idle and acceptThis what it presented toan me. I uncomfortable new normal. Isn’t that like God, making us have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity uncomfortable when Heafforded is tryingto toeveryone. change ourA course and is a blessing that isn’t challenge to me us is an prepare foradventure. growth. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about your pride and in And if the Corona virusmyself. wasn’tRelinquish enough, our country appears acquire life.middle of a civil war, with the underlying to return be caught in the reasons for our discourse being one that has existed for The best advice ever given toIme when someone centuries. Racial discrimination. amhappened very encouraged to see told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so the protests that have taken place around the world. These I haveecho pressed my way through doors a key that only actions a resounding message thatwith racial discrimination hope provided. I have also learned the difference between against anyone, black, white, or brown is not acceptable. I am what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with also inspired to see other races who have joined the fight to as spread well. I compare to knowing to be confident and help the BlackitLives Matterwhen message. when to be quiet, because may getBlack it confused Forsomeone me personally, Lives with being arrogant. Matter, and they have always mattered. As a black man who Make you tomorrow has lived in America my entire happen today, but most life, I have my very own black importantly make it count. experience, anda itwhisper hasn’t and always Life is but been we a pleasant one. I am must put ourselvesainhuge a supporter for to change, especially position hear what it is for Black people. telling us. We must all use our voices and speak up, because saying nothing is unacceptable.
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder 4
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
HuamiMagazine.com
November/December 2014
www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Publisher Terry L Watson
Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dawn C. Thornton Writer Terry L. Watson Writers Writer Junious Smith Dixon Writer Tonya Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Todd Youngblood Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Dove Photographer Lechele Trent-Jackson JLG Photography Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography
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HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2020 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved
On The Cover
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JULY/AUGUST 2020
CHARLOTTE EDITION
CONTENTS
Real Black Love
Warren & Barbara
On The Cover
Survival of The Fittest Doing Black Business in Charlotte
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The Producer
Teresa B. Howell
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26
Wagstaff Cosmetics
Sonya Wagstaff
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Jalen Malik Summers
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Also Featured
Henry L. Caldwell III There is a brand new way of doing business. Introducing ProBizCa. Dallas, TX
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Sam Hina This young and ambitous talent is making waves, visually. Hina Visuals Atlanta, GA
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Charlotte - July/August 2020
Jalisa Ranae Living your life without a plan is place? She can help. Goal Babe. Nashville, TN
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HuamiMagazine.com 5
Survival of the
FITTEST Doing Black Business in Charlotte www.exclusiverealtyone.com 704-907-3422
www.exclusivetitleagency.com 704-907-3422
www.queencitycapital.com 704-965-3135
www.davisfutureplanning.com 1-800-239-1493 7
Deanna Smith Exclusive Title, LLC Protecting Home Ownernship
It is all about making moves, and making those moves count. That is what Deanna Smith is all about. She is one of Charlotte’s ambitious business women. When presented with the question of why she considers herself to be one of Charlotte’s strongest business people her reply was clear. “It is due to my continued expansion and growth in all of the things real estate, REO, and title and financing for businesses. It is also because of my ability to stay afloat and remain stable through these unprecedented times of global pandemonium, and being able to start multiple businesses and continue to provide opportunities for others.” Real estate is not what Deanna Smith of Charlotte, NC set out to pursue. For 16 years, she served the state of New York as a Corrections Officer with the Department of Corrections. She also owned and operated not one, but two childcare facilities along with mothering four children. When she was presented with the opportunity of becoming a Federal Agent in 2002, she jumped at the chance and relocated her family to Charlotte for the job. After settling in the Queen City, she started to miss interacting with young children, so she worked part-time at a childcare facility. She also decided to become a foster parent to make an even greater impact, eventually adopting two infant girls. Suddenly the mom of six (her two adult children do not reside in the home) was stretched to her limit. That’s when her full time job gave her an ultimatum. “They told me I could choose my job or choose my children. And I chose my children,” Deanna says confidently. Running a full time real estate business and maintaining her family keeps Deanna’s cup running over, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She is also very flexible and has proven that she can adjust to any situation and through adversity when needed. While the world combats the Covid 19 pandemic, Deanna has also faced her set of challenges with the virus. “ COVID 19 has not negatively impacted my business, however it has given me the opportunity to pivot my business to profit. It has been an opportunity for growth, self-development and a newfound focus to expand my business and diversify my portfolio,” she shares. Since COVID 19 arrived, she has developed multiple branches of her signature brand, Exclusive Realty. She also opened Exclusive Commercial Lending of which has opened the doors to business financing, lending, and the financial industry. She has opened her first non profit, Homeowners Pursuing Education ( H.O.P.E), and restructured Exclusive Title Agency
to include mobile notary/ enotary signing services. There has also been an addition of a REO division within her current real estate company. In the future, Deanna shares that her main goal is to continue to learn, and grow within the real estate and financial industry. She also is looking forward to becoming a mentor to other entrepreneurs and sharing her knowledge to assist others as much as possible. h
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Corey Newton
Queen City Capital Investments Groups
Unlimited Dreams Multimedia Services
Team Newton Cares Full 501(C)3 Corey Newton footprint is all over the Queen City. Though, you will never hear him boast or brag about anything that he does for his community and its residents. “I never change. You get the same Corey everyday. Some get frustrated, and some appreciate it. I’m stubborn at times because I’m super determined once I latch on. I’m honest and I give the truth. I have also built some strong individuals in my lifetime. I’m a great asset to any situation or person and I’ll give you the shirt off my back, but I will bless you with the knowledge on how to buy me one, he says. Here is Corey’s story. “I came from a very small town called East Saint Louis, Illinois. 93% of the population are on welfare or state supported services. The town has only 30k residents yet manages 200 murders per year. I’ve had guns drawn on me regularly, and even walked past dead bodies. I have a level of PTSD that I’m sure needs to be washed and reprogrammed. That city though, created a hustle in me that I was making moves at 12 and 13 that paid bills like a grown man. For that, I do ask God for forgiveness,” he says. “My real testimony comes June 5, 1992 on the day of my 11th birthday. I had no business being out at 11:00pm. I was standing next to a friend and his brother accidentally shot and killed him. We were so close to each other that I had his blood on my face and clothes. That changed my life.” When it’s all said and done, Corey is a businessman. He is the owner of Queen City Capital Investments Groups, Unlimited Dreams Multimedia Services, Team Newton Cares Full 501C3. He is also an actor and lead character, traveling with the 30 year anniversary of “A Good Man is Hard To Find” production. With Queen City Capital Investments Groups, he focuses on real estate acquisition and strategic development. Unlimited Dreams Multimedia Services is a full scale graphic design firm. Team Newton Cares Full 501C3 is a philanthropy organization catered to providing financial and supportive services to any community within the United States, with a concentration in the Charlotte area. Corey started his first business in 2002, he shares it was the day after his son was born. “I started designing club fliers for Charlotte clubs and promoters. I started my charity organization in 2011. It began as a youth football program and blossomed into something very beautiful. We offer resume services, support services, and obligations for those who are homelessness. We provide back to school care packages and book bags, including haircuts and hairstyles. We also feed everyone for Thanksgiving, participate with Toys 4 Tots for Christmas, and more,” he says.
Corey started his real estate company in 2018. After working in corporate America for a while, he began acquiring his own properties. Now, he passed his knowledge and wealth down to his kids. Moving forward, Corey has plans to continue preaching and reading the good words. He also has plans on establishing a beauty supply store in Charlotte, and a chili dog and potato company in Northlake Mall. “My mind creates million dollar ideas a day. There’s really no specific place where I mind land. So please stay tuned,” Corey says. h
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Paranda Davis The Credit Beast The Boys and Girls Dream Chasers Inc. TM
When the Boss Lady speaks someone must listen. Paranda Davis is often recognized as the Credit Beast. In her hometown of Charlotte, NC she continues to shake things up with new endeavors and projects. How do you describe her in a few words? “I love what I do and I am very passionate about what I do. I don’t sugar coat anything when it comes to my clients. I go above and beyond for my clients by providing support every step of the way. Especially, with helping them achieve their credit goals. Sometimes we just need that push in life, but I firmly believe that it all starts with yourself first,” she says. Paranda spends most of her time learning about saving money and buying real estate. Now with the impact of Covid-19, she has been forced to make a few necessary adjustments to satisfy the needs of her clients. “Covid-19 has been a huge challenge for employees and especially employers. The business has been impacted due to the amount of customers that are used to coming into the office, and no longer are able to come in without setting an appointment first. Safety is our number one priority and we have made changes to our policies and procedures. We’ve lowered our rates to help those who were affected by the economic crisis due to Covid 19. We had a promotion giving special rates to our first responders and medical workers. We understand the hardships our clients faced and are committed to meeting them during their time of need,” she says. Though born in Charlotte, Paranda’s late grandparents, Raymond and Velma Davis, raised her on a farm in Norwood, N.C. along with 16 children of their own. Her mother gave birth to her as a teenager, but her grandparents decided they would step in to make sure she and her younger sister were raised in a stable house, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, with two loving parents and a host of aunts and uncles to watch over them. Besides being known as the Credit Beast, Paranda owns several businesses including a non-profit organization, Boys and Girls Dream Chasers, Inc that focuses on financial literacy and mental health. She also has purchased several investment properties. Her advice to others on how to survive the Covid-19 pandemic is to be creative and inventive. “This is a seller’s market and the perfect time to invest. Use this time to be creative and invest into things
that will bring you money back or hold sentimental value such as real estate, gold, and life insurance. One thing we can not overlook is our kids’ education. We have a virus going around that there isn’t a cure for. We don’t know what our future holds for us. Invest and get tutoring services for your kids and stay home,” she says. While anything is possible to happen for Paranda in the future, being the sound businesswoman that she is, plans have already been made by her. She plans to stay well connected to her immediate community and branch outside its walls. “It is my goal to share my brand and life experiences with everyone who seeks them. I am a survivor of many things and I love helping others overcome as well. It all begins with being prepared,” she says. h
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
By Laci Ollison Photos by Henry Caldwell
Henry L. Caldwell III, is a businessman’s businessman. He and his team knows what it takes to grow your business. He knows that first impressions make lasting impressions. With his dream team, CTO-Charles Gill and CMO-Michael Bailey, their combined knowledge of web design, telecommunication, marketing and customer service, they’ve created ProBizCa, an all-in-one Professional Business Card Digital Hub.
ProBizCa allows you to place your business and brand in the palm of your Customers hand to instantly engage, communicate, transact, plus save you time and money!
Finally the business card has moved into the 21st century. “Today’s business card is tomorrow’s trash,” they like to say. ProBizCa, short for Professional Business Card, is a digital business card that list more than your name address and phone number. Most importantly, it won’t end up in tomorrow’s trash. Delivered by your smart phone, the owner of a ProBizCa Digital Business Card, can deliver every facet of their business to a potential client’s cell phone. Conveniently, it does not require an app to download. Let’s take Get Organized By Key for example. Keokuk, provides home organization services, staging, moving and notary services. She is also a fitness instructor. Keokuk, wants her potential clients to see before and after pictures to get a feel for her work and she utilizes different order forms for the different services she provides. How can she communicate everything she does and provide the customer with a visual of all she can do, with a single business card? You can’t. “A business card has a front and a back,” says Henry. “How can you communicate what you do on a two-by-three-and-one-half inch card? If your business card is your real estate, it’s insufficient. ProBizCa allows the business owner to showcase all of his or her products and services by QR code, text message or email.”
“It’s only two sides you can use with a business card, and that’s front and back. How can I communicate with you about what I do with a 2 x 3.5 card as your real estate, that’s too small”. Continued on the next page Charlotte - July/August 2020
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Do you have videos to share? Pictures? Documents? Do you want a potential client to have a look at your product? Your procedures? How about directions to your business location? All of this can be integrated on your ProBizCa digital business card. Everything and anything you want to share with a potential or regular client, ProBizCa can do. ProBizCa, also has built in features for coupons, loyalty programs and affiliate programs. ProBizCa will grow your business. Henry Caldwell will make sure of it. “Letting us do what we do best, allows you to focus on what you do best. Together, we’ll show your company in its best light.” Henry, grew up in a family where owning your own business was second nature. He remembers helping his father when he was not quite a teenager, install plastic slip covering on furniture. (Remember that? Yes, Henry is in his late fifties). It was engrained in him that owning a business is not just selling something to someone, it’s developing a relationship with your customer and creating business alliances. It is not unusual for Henry, to be the go-to person. If someone needs work done, Henry is their first call. “If we can’t do it, I know somebody who can. Working with me is working with a network of other capable business men and women.” Henry is one of those rare businessmen whose passion is to see everyone’s business succeed. When the Chicago native isn’t working, he enjoys swimming, racquet ball, tennis, golf and bowling. Henry lives in Arlington, Texas with his wife of thirty-eight years. He is the father of three adult children and the proud backgammon king in his household. He also enjoys scrabble, puzzle games, and the television show Survivor. “Why Survivor?” we asked. “Because it all about relationships.” See, that’s what we mean, he’s a businessman’s businessman.
Create Share Grow 1-888-506-0418 www.ProBizCa.com
Caldwell hopes to inspire others to chase their passion. “You have to believe in yourself,” he states. “You have to have faith in yourself even when no one else will.” The mantra he lives by is, “Laziness pays off now, but hard work pays off in the future.” h
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48 Years of Marriage 18
HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by JLG Photography They are a great example of what Black Love looks like. Warren and Barbara Hendrix have been married for 48 years. The couple grew up together in a small country community in the city of Lenoir, NC. Warren was a few years older than Barbara and she did not pay any attention to him because he was friends with Barbara’s oldest sister. Before marrying, they were engaged for eight months. Their union has produced three children, Warren Elliott, Erika, and Brian and three Grandchildren. Warren explains his approach. “I was friends with her oldest sister and I noticed one of the youngest sisters was very pretty. After a year of college at North Carolina Central University in Durham I was drafted to serve our country. I chose the Air Force. I had gone through basic training and had orders to go over seas to Vietnam. We did not connect until I was about to get out of service. I came home one Christmas before my last tour and she had changed. She was very pretty and full blossomed. I was very attracted to her but I was a little shy and not sure if I wanted to start a relationship because so many soldiers I knew did not or were not returning home. As it got closer to my time to return back to the States, I began to write her letters and some time she would respond and some times she did not. When I returned we started dating and I showed her what she meant to me and I wanted her to be my soulmate. We always loved to dance and make time for each other. No matter what others were doing and whatever the popular things were going on, we stayed connected. We came from Godly families. However, when we first got married we did what we wanted to do and we did not always put God first but we learned in our errors. We had our ups and downs but we made the choice to make it work. As we got older, we prayed more for our family and the world. We pray every morning and during the day, as well as read our bible together. With Christ we can do all things,” he says. Here is Barbara version of how their love came about. “I knew of Warren because he was friend’s to my oldest sister. I did not pay him any attention because he was a little older than I. I notice him after he went to college and retuned home because he was drafted to service. He called me little girl and I called him old man. A couple of years went by and I went to a house party. He was there and I asked him to please give me a ride home. He said okay and dropped me off at home and I did not expect to here from him anymore. A couple of days went by and he called and asked to go out on a date, and I said yes. He took me fishing and hunting. I could already shoot a rifle because our father had all girls and one son and he wanted us to be able to take care of ourselves. He was
a gentlemen as my father, I noticed he was caring and protective. He opened the door for me and was and polite. His shoes was shinning as my father and well dressed as my father and he had the best smelling cologne. Eight months later we were engaged. But that took a different spend. I rushed home to tell my parents and my mother commented on the ring in the same breath she said “let me have it”. My momma wanted to talk to him because I belonged to her until I was married she told. I was so nervous to tell him because I did not know what he would do or think. I called and explained to him that I remember my other sister fiance’s had to do the same thing. My mother reminded me after she took the ring. They had the talk and she said yes. I remember she said to him that my dad spoiled me. She also told him that if he abused me or do anything to hurt me he will have to settle with me along “Momma and PaPa Bears”. He understood. Then our engagement was official and we took eight months and planned our wedding. Forty eight years later we have never fallen out of love. To God be the glory. h Charlotte - July/August 2020
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Sam Hina Hina Visuals
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Sam Hina Sam Hina plainly put is an artist. Since he was a little kid living in the Southside of Savannah, he possessed the ability and desire to create. That creativity often came to Sam in the form of drawing, but as he got older, he realized that his creativity intuition went beyond just pen and paper. Over the years, he has developed skills in many different art forms, all of which he has been able to forge into his brand, Hina Visuals. Hina Visuals specializes in photography, but also offers video content/direction for personal brands and businesses. Launched in 2017, Sam says he loves the process of creating the art, sometimes more than the art itself. “Brainstorming concepts, building sets and experimenting with lighting are all parts of process that I like to see come together and make what I do so enjoyable,” he shares. “Everything inspires me when in comes to creating. Colors, animals, pop culture, social and political issues, etc. I literally pull from everything.” Sam shares that his life and career has been greatly impacted by Terrius Mykel, an Atlanta based music video director. “In 2014 we connected in college and became good friends and he has mentored me ever since. Working with him helped to propel me past a lot of creatives who have been in the game years, and in a much shorter amount of time,” he says. In the future, Sam plans to take his brand to new heights, and produce more challenging productions. “I want to keep expanding my clientele and eventually add a space and platform for creatives to create and display their work,” says Sam. Be on the lookout for this talent. He is sure to be doing some fascinating things. h
Sam Hina Hina Visuals 678-643-6097 21
Wagstaff Cosmetics 22
HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography Dating back to 2009, Sonya Wagstaff was paying attention when then First Lady, Michelle Obama launched her “Let’s Move” campaign to introduce healthy living to children and families. But her initial motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle came on the heels of the passing of her mother, who unfortunately succumbed to cancer several years prior. Like the first lady, Wagstaff, a fitness coach and educator, ran her own nonprofit, Kid Fit For Life, Inc., because she also wanted to impact children in a different way. The next year, Wagstaff became interested in publishing and wanted to do more with her brand, Wagstaff Enterprises, LLC. Her first book, ‘Sonya Blade’ Poems was published in 2010 with another one in 2019 that was an Amazon Bestseller and one soon to be released in 2020. In 2010 she subsequently started a mentoring program, ‘Girls Without Walls’, that focused on self-esteem, self-confidence, and motivational concepts. Continuing on her path of health and wellness, producing products that are good for you inside and out, and finding her passion. “I started asking myself what I like to do. I’m a fashionista, I’m creative and I have my own style. I’d already had some make-up artist training and loved applying my own make up. I had experience with retail so I thought about cosmetics,” says Wagstaff. Not only did she teach kids a new way of living, but now she wanted to introduce women to different products that are healthy. Melanated skin can sometimes be sensitive so quality products are key. Concerned with budget, the fashion guru decided to start out small, not wanting to exhaust her educator salary. She began her two-year research process on how to produce chemical-free items but market them to the city of Winston Salem. Chemistry wasn’t her background, so she partnered with a team of manufacturers to produce her first high-quality lipstick. It is vegan and free from harmful chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, paraben, and resin. It’s also not tested on animals. In April 2018, she launched Lipstick by Wagstaff. She began selling to her friends, family and church members and the response was amazing. Her clientele grew by word of mouth and her customers gave her great feedback. “They loved the variety of colors, that it was long-lasting, and the quality,” she explains. Like a responsible entrepreneur, she immediately invested her profits into expanding her scope and added lip gloss to the line. She didn’t want to rush and expand, but she did want to support her customers’ needs and requests. Five months later, she added blush, eye shadow and recently launched five variations of her facial mask, with a full line on deck by the end of 2020. Continued on the next page
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Social media has been a saving grace for Wagstaff Cosmetics, while the website is being built. She is also thankful for her repeat customers who faithfully support her with purchases and referrals. She relies on volunteers to help her behind the scenes and hopes to hire a social media manager soon. Wagstaff has recently approached Whole Foods and other stores about carrying the line of products in their local stores. “Right now, I’m interested in adding independent distributors to create an opportunity for them have their own business, while I reach a broader customer base at one time.” A small storefront is a thought she’s exploring as well. In the last two years since launching Wagstaff Cosmetics, LLC, the owner has been busy as a leader in the education field, attended graduate school and leadership programs that has caused her to pace the growth, but she feels now is the time act on it. “I’ve had women immediately purchase a mask and then ask for a whole skincare system set, from the cleansers to the primer or serum,” says Wagstaff. There is definitely great opportunity to create more and expand because different customers have different needs, and Wagstaff plans to service every person she can. When she’s not beautifying the community, the Winston-Salem State University graduate works for Guilford County Schools as an Institutional Facilitator, leading a team of teachers. She also teaches math, ELA, and advises the Coding and Robotics Club at her school. As a business owner, Wagstaff encourages those interested in throwing their hat into the ring, to first believe in God. “It doesn’t always take a lot of money to get started or move on a vision or concept. But make sure you do your research. Become educated in your field. And seek out mentors to help groom and shape you for what you want.” Wagstaff just wants to be able to impact women in a great way. And what better way than making sure they’ll be healthy, happy and beautiful? h
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Wagstaff Cosmetics www.wagstaffcosmetics.net 336-624-9070
Charlotte - July/August 2020
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Author, Producer, Teacher..... By Terry L. Watson Photos by Teresa B. Howell Teresa B. Howell is a writer, publisher, producer, recording artist, teacher, mother, and friend. is an exceptional children’s director that has two Master Degrees in education and leadership. She has received numerous awards and accolades in her profession, dedicated to mentoring and teaching students within the school system.
Owning a production company has some perks and Teresa likes many of them. “I enjoy having artist freedom. I dont have anyone holding anything over my head. My expectations are my own and I can do it how I want it to be done,” she shared. In the future, Teresa hopes that she will be able to do what she does fulltime. “I plan to partner with a production company and screenwriter to get all my material out there for the world to see. We are off to a great start and I truly believe that in spite of the Covid 19 pandemic, this is my season,” she says. h
Teresa is the owner and founder of Teresa B. Productions, and Walking In Victory International. “With my production company, I have produced five books. Three of the books are titled, That Church Life. It’s a trilogy that tells a story about a generational preacher dealing with the issue of domestic violence within the church. Another book, Delayed but not Denied, is a story about hidden relationships and soul ties. The Positive Vibes book is a 30 day affirmation and prayer book,” she shares. Aside from books, Teresa has written a play called, That Church Life, that gives a depiction of the books in a 90 minute overview. “Each show was sold out. As a result of that, I decided to start filming a series for it. We are now in the process of filming and recording music for an upcoming Youtube series and movie,” Teresa says. There is also a Facebook live show, Amplified Exposure, that airs weekly and showcases Teresa talking to people in the filming, music, and movie production industry. Teresa started singing and writing at an early age. She started her professional writing journey in 2015. “I was a late bloomer, however both of my talents were known to many early on in my life. I always had a spark that needed to be lit. I was told my destiny and calling was in the arts but never pursued it until 2016. The hold up in the entire process was me because I didnt have the courage to step out and do half of the things I am doing now. It wasn’t until my mother died that I finally realized it was time to move. God has blessed me with so much, and to sit on it and not pursue my dreams just didnt make any sense,” she says.
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Goal Babe
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jalisa Ranae If you don’t have goals set for your life, then what are you waiting for? Jalisa Ranea of Nashville, TN is the owner and founder of Goal Babe LLC. She has built her brand and business around helping others to establish goals for themselves and to understand the importance of having them. “We understand that each woman is uniquely different and we want to celebrate those differences. The Goal Babe brand is a lifestyle, a continuous journey. Each day is another opportunity to accomplish one more goal, or simply taking another step in the right direction; we’re here to encourage you. Being a Goal Babe is about building a community where women can come together to support, inspire, and encourage,” Jalisa shares. Jalisa is a mother, friend, sister, and all around business woman. She is also ambitious, and highly blessed. “I am a true ‘Goal Babe’. I am originally from Lansing, MI, but moved around my entire life. In doing so, that afforded me with the opportunity to explore and experience a lot of different things,” she shares. Being a mother of three, Jalisa shares that is her most favorite role outside of being a businesswoman. “The idea of Goal Babe actually was a vision given to me by God. I established my business in March 2020 by launching my flagship product and explaining what it is I do for women. God wants me to help women reach their higher selves. What better way to do that than with goal setting? Goal Babe was started to help women achieve their goals,” she shares. One of the primary objectives of Goal Babe is to provide resources for women who have the desire to achieve their goals. One of its products, “A total guide to becoming a GOAL BABE” is a journal that has helped women remain accountable while remaining focused and encouraged. There is also a free, seven day mini journal that tackles positive mindfulness specifically. There is a newly launched coaching program that is created for women who may need some additional one on one support. The opportunity to connect with other women like herself is what Jalisa says she loves most about her business. “I want for everyone that I connect with to become successful. It brings me so much joy and happiness when women tell me how one of my products helped them towards achieving their goal. That is confirmation that my efforts are working,” she shared. Moving forward, Jalisa focus for Goal Babe is to plan events and produce more products. Her goal is to eventually travel the world and mentor other women and help them to become Goal Babes.
www.goalbabe.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
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“Silence Is Not An Option” Use Your Voice To Speak Up Together We Can End Racial Discrimination
BLACK LIVES MATTER They’ve Always Mattered ®
MAGAZINE
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Jalen Malik Summers
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The son of Alexis Alston and Jalen Summers Sr.
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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Sasha A. Ridley Heart To Heart Consulting Sasha A. Ridley Enterprises
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
Interesting, That’s What I Call It! By Sasha A. Ridley Photos by Sasha A. Ridley
Ever ponder over the perfect word to say and it rattles you because your vocabulary seems to evade you in that moment? Every other word can come to mind except the one you genuinely want that will eloquently express your thoughts, feelings and emotions towards a particular thing or event.
My first step was self-education. I can’t speak to a particular situation if I am not educated on it or have experienced it, I would be doing my clients and those I come in contact with a huge disservice. To my astonishment there were a multitude of history facts I knew nothing about. Even some of our favorite childhood cartoons had racial innuendos hidden within that totally changed the way I view them now as an adult. Second, I used my voice to speak even more to the snide comments and remarks that was disguised as jokes that others would make to me or in my presence. One of the
That was me as I read the headlines, watched videos, listened to people engage in conversations and receive floods of inbox messages from individuals wanting to be a better ally to the black community and just not being sure where exactly to start. I wrestled with those same thoughts myself. How can I help? How can I do my part to spread a message that is inline with change and evolution that is necessary? I even questioned whether or not I was educated enough on the history of the struggles and advancements of the black community of was I just reciting what I learned in a public school history class but adding my own flair. Could I truly hold others accountable for knowing OUR history if I didn’t now all of OUR history? My answer alarmed me and from that I knew where I would start. I would start by making sure I educated myself on the happenings of the past and the present. As easy as it would have been to turn the tv off, log off of social media so I wouldn’t have to watch the videos and read the comments just to keep my sanity, I knew the time to turning a blind eye or praying for a change was long gone without action and education. We have been trying to shield ourselves from the truth for long enough. We have been illiterate long enough to the strength, resilience, truth, mystery, struggle, hardship, injustice but beauty that exist within the black community. Being a relationship life coach and having a business where on a daily basis I have to coach and teach others how to deal and handle the pain, hurt and confusion that is within and it was evident to me the surge of questions and emotions with the mass exposure of the recent events surrounding and has been surrounding the black community in regards to police brutality and use of excessive force. How does one deal and process all of this? How could I get involved? In this situation I turned to what I do best…listen and offer comfort and solutions.
only surefire ways to end the racism and illiteracy is to speak to the matter and engage in conversation. This reveled that many people only know the surface layer of the issues within the black community and never had anyone correct them on ignorance behind their statements. Lastly, I have made myself available. People are hurting and confused and don’t know how to express their emotions and question the anger, anxiety and pain they are experiencing right now. Even if it just listening to someone vent about their feelings or providing a safe space for kids to play without worry, I am available. We must continue our strides to shed light on this situation even once the headlines change to something else. This is our life and the life of our children. Let’s change the headline.
www.HeartToHeartConsultingLLC.com Charlotte - July/August 2020
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Deanna Smith 2026 Ayrsley Town Blvd Charlotte, NC 28273 Ph: 704-907-3422
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - July/August 2020